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Hazards and Controls:Service Industry

Whether your employees spend their days cleaning homes or pools, responding to emergencies or treating patients or driving a bus, their job is to serve others. You can serve them by providing a safe, healthful workplace.

Hazard: Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a pervasive problem across industries. It is especially relevant in service industries such as healthcare, firefighting and emergency medical services, where workers serve potentially violent patients. In fact, about 70 percent of on-the-job assaults happen in health care, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Control: Promote Awareness

Violence is such a high-profile hazard in health care that OSHA issued prevention guidelines specifically for hospitals, clinics and home health care settings. The rest of us can follow general preventive measures like taking note of customers who linger without buying, leave and come back or go to a part of the store where it is difficult to see them. If someone looks suspicious, make friendly eye contact with them. Most importantly, don’t be a hero, and don’t chase the robber. Your life is more important than merchandise or money.

Hazard: Strains

Like workplace violence, strains are common in all sectors of the service industry, but they are a high-profile issue in the health care industry. Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants record the highest rates of back strains. Employees are at risk when they lift, transfer and reposition patients, especially from awkward positions.

Hazard: Potent Chemicals

People who work in nail salons, shoe repair shops, and house and pool cleaning businesses use products that include potent chemicals. Even everyday cleaning products can be harmful if not handled properly.

Control: Comply With OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard

By June 1, 2016, employers who use hazardous chemicals in their workplace must be in compliance with OSHA’s revised hazard communication standard. The standard helps ensure employees understand the risks associated with chemicals and know how to protect themselves.

Hazard: Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in blood that can cause hepatitis, HIV and other life-threatening diseases. Service industry employees are at risk when they give shots to patients, handle contaminated clothing or personal protective equipment, and clean contaminated surfaces.

Hazard: Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities across industries. Emergency responders, bus drivers, taxi drivers and tow truck operators are just a few examples of service industry workers who log a lot of time behind the wheel, often driving at high speeds and maneuvering through congested streets.

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Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state's leading workers' compensation provider, insures 43% of the Texas workers' compensation market and works to serve the needs of over 70,000 businesses across the state every single day. Helping employers prevent workplace accidents is an important part of Texas Mutual’s mission.